Power mower with stand-on and sit-down modes

ABSTRACT

A self-propelled power lawn mower for operation by an operator. The operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. Thus, the mower includes both sitting and standing modes. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the foot platform is located between first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for approximate zero radius turning of the mower about a vertical turning axis. The foot platform is positioned near this vertical axis so that the operator when standing may be substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/412,589, filed Oct. 5,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,753, the entire content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in this application.

This invention relates to a power driven device. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a power lawn mower wherein an operator of the moweris capable of sitting down on a seat or standing up on a platform duringmower operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known commercial power mowers are generally divided into three separatecategories: (i) self-propelled walk-behind mowers; (ii) ride-on mowersoperated by a seated occupant; and (iii) stand-on mowers operated by astanding occupant.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,077,959; 4,967,543; 4,991,382 and 4,920,733 disclosetypical walk-behind power mowers, the disclosures of all of thesespatents hereby being incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No.5,865,020 discloses a known ride-on mower where an operator sits on aseat during mower operation, the disclosure of this patent being herebyincorporated herein by reference. The Great Dane “Zero Turn Chariot”[see May 1998 Technical Manual] is another example of a ride-on moweroperated by a seated occupant. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,964,082; 5,809,755;5,507,138; 5,600,944; and 5,765,347 disclose stand-on mowers, thedisclosures of all of these patents hereby being incorporated herein byreference.

Unfortunately, the operator of a walk-behind mower must walk duringmowing operations (unless a sulky is used in conjunction therewith),thereby leading to fatigue. This is a disadvantage of walk-behindmowers, especially in hilly environments. As a result of operatorfatigue, mowers controlled by walking operators are generally lessproductive over extended periods of time.

While ride-on mowers with seats have the advantage of allowing theoperator to sit during mowing operations, they may suffer from certaindisadvantages. First, a seated operator may have less visibility than astanding operator of trimming areas around shrubs and the like incertain ride-on mowers. Second, it may be more difficult for a seatedoperator to quickly jump off the mower than for a standing operator todo so. Third, it may be more difficult for a sitting operator to quicklyredistribute his or her weight during hilly operations than it is for astanding operator to do so.

It is apparent from the above, that there exists a need in the art for apower lawn mower operable by an operator who can assume a standingposition or alternatively a sitting position during operation of themower. The standing or sitting modes may enable an operator to easilyvary his/her weight distribution and/or to have good visibility fortrimming around shrubs, trees and the like; and the sitting mode mayenable an operator to become less tired during mower operation.

It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill any or all of theabove-described needs in the art, as well as other needs which willbecome apparent to the skilled artisan from the following detaileddescription of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a mower where the moweroperator is capable of standing or sitting during mower operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mower where theoperator when sitting can alter the weight distribution of the mowerforward/rearward so that weight may be transferred from the front to therear wheels (this may allow for improved hill crossing and may provideadded traction on the drive tires/wheels and/or improved control goingup or down hills).

Another object of this invention is to provide an elongated seat on amower wherein the operator can move forward and rearward on the seat soas to change the location of his or her weight distribution.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mower designed so thatwhen going up a hill an operator can move from a sitting position to astanding position so that the overall center of gravity of the mower ismoved forward to minimize potential for tipping backward and/or poppinga wheely.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mower including armrests which may be in a deployed position when the operator is in asitting position and which may be retractable or folded up when theoperator moves to a standing position so that the arm rest(s) are lesslikely to interfere with the operator when in a standing position.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an operator presencecontrol (OPC) switch that may be activated by the feet and/or hands ofthe operator, but not only the seat due to a need for standing incertain conditions.

Another object of this invention is to provide spring(s) or otherbiasing or dampening means for shock absorbing and/or operator comfortpurposes associated with the seat of the mower.

Another object of this invention is to provide a seat on a mower, wherethe seat may be folded up or away to shorten the length of the mower fortransport, storage, or when the operator is standing.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a mower includingpivoting seat and a foot platform.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mower wherein the seatand/or handle grips are adjustable forward/rearward to accommodatedifferent sized operators or preferences.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mower including wheelieroller(s) to reduce the likelihood of a seat support(s) from digginginto the ground and/or minimize wear and tear on the mower.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mower including a seatthat is prevented from folding up unexpectedly (e.g. a latch may beunlatched to fold up a seat structure).

Another object of this invention is to satisfy any or all of the abovelisted objects or needs.

Generally speaking, this invention fulfills any or all of the abovedescribed needs or objects by providing a zero radius turningself-propelled lawn mower comprising:

an engine for powering the mower;

first and second rear drive wheels each independently driveable inforward and reverse directions so as to allow for approximate zeroradius turning of the mower about a vertical turning axis disposedbetween said rear drive wheels when said first rear drive wheel isdriven forward and said second rear drive wheel is driven rearward atapproximately the same speed;

a foot platform for supporting a standing operator, wherein at least aportion of said foot platform is located forward of a rear edge of oneof said rear drive wheels;

a seat structure for supporting a sitting operator, wherein at least aportion of said seat is located rearward of said vertical turning axis;

wherein said seat structure is pivotal about a first pivot axis so thatsaid seat structure may be folded up from a deployed position to astowed position; and

wherein the operator may operate the mower when in a sitting position onsaid seat structure and when in a standing position on said footplatform.

This invention will now be described with respect to certain embodimentsthereof, accompanied by certain illustrations, wherein:

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a zero radius turning self-propelledpower lawn mower according to an embodiment of this invention, the mowerincluding both standing and sitting modes and this figure showing theoperator in a sitting position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the power mower of FIG. 1, showingthe operator in a standing position on a foot platform.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the power mower of FIGS. 1-2,absent an operator and showing the seat folded up.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the power mower of FIGS. 1-3,showing an operator getting on or off the mower and the seat pivotedabout a pivot as the operator moves forward or backward.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a zero radius turning self-propelledpower lawn mower according to another embodiment of this invention, themower including both standing and sitting modes and this figure showingthe operator in a sitting position.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the mower of FIG. 5, showing the seatfolded up absent an operator.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a zero radius turning self-propelledpower lawn mower according to still another embodiment of thisinvention, the mower including both standing and sitting modes, andcontrol cables, this figure showing the operator in a sitting position.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the mower of FIGS. 1-4, absent anoperator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in whichlike reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the severalviews.

FIGS. 1-4 and 8 illustrate a zero radius turning self-propelled powerlawn mower according to a first embodiment of this invention. Anoperator 41 of the mower may use the mower either when sitting down onthe seat or alternatively when standing up on the foot platform.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, the lawn mower includes: operator seat 1for the operator to sit on during mower operation; seat pivot axis 2about which seat 1 pivots or rotates; spring(s) or shock absorber(s) 3for dampening the front of the seat for operator 41 comfort; seatsupport or frame 4; wheelie roller(s) 5 for reducing the likelihood ofseat support 4 digging into the ground and/or reducing wear and tear onthe mower; pivot axis 6 for enabling seat support 4 to fold up and bebiased by spring 7; spring(s) or shock absorber(s) 7 for dampening therear of seat 1 for operator comfort; upwardly extending spaced apart andparallel supports or frames 8 provided between the operator's legs forsupporting seat support 4 and for housing battery 30 or toolstherebetween; stationary or pivotal foot platform 9 on which theoperator may stand during mower operation; latch 10 for preventing seat1 from folding up unexpectedly; engine frame weldment 11 connected tocutter or mower deck assembly 12 within which the cutting blades areprovided; tractor frame 13 for suspending or supporting cutter deckassembly 12 and engine frame weldment 11; engine deck 31 defining aplane upon which a pair of hydraulic (hydrostatic) pumps 22 and theengine are mounted; a pair of laterally spaced side plates 14 extendingupwardly from engine deck 31 so as to support (directly or indirectly)at least (i) normally stationary handle bar 32, (ii) a pair of spacedapart pivotal front handle grips 33 and a pair of spaced apart rearhandle grips 34 (each of 33 and 34 comprises both a right handedpivoting grip and a left handed pivoting grip as disclosed and describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,755, incorporated herein by reference), (iii)hydraulic oil tank 35, (iv) a pair of spaced apart arm rests 17 that maybe padded, (v) a pair of arm rest support brackets 15, (vi)corresponding arm rest pivots 16 for enabling the arm rests to fold upout of the way so that a standing operator can stand on either side ofthe platform without substantial interference from an arm rest, (vii)pivot stop 18 for arm rest supports 15 to come to rest against when in adeployed position so as to support the arm rests, and (viii) dash boardor console 36 including an ammeter (not shown) and/or an hour gauge (notshown); a pair of front casters or wheels 37 supported by frame 13 oralternatively the cutter deck assembly; combustion engine 38 mounted onthe plane of engine deck 31; engine shaft 39 extending from the enginedownwardly through an aperture in the engine deck 31 for driving thecutter blades via belts and pulleys 40; operator 41 whom may operate themower either while sitting on seat 1 as shown in FIG. 1 or when standingon platform 9 as shown in FIG. 2; shock absorbers 42 which enable cutterdeck 12 and engine deck 31 to move up and down relative to frame 13 anddampen movement therebetween; a pair of independently driveable reardrive wheels 43 which rotate about a common rear drive wheel axishorizontal 44; and right and left hand hydrostatically controlled reardrive wheel motors 45 (see FIG. 8) whose wheel driving direction andspeed are controlled by pumps 22 via pivoting handle controls 33 and/or34 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,755 (incorporated herein byreference).

In certain embodiments of this invention, engine 42 is moved forwardrelative to certain conventional mowers so that drive shaft 39 thereofis located forward of the front edge of rear drive wheels 43 and alsoforward of the front edge of supports 14. Moreover, in certainembodiments, the entire engine 42 is located forward of the front edgeof rear drive wheels 43. This forward positioning of the engine permitsadditional weight to be provided nearer the front of the mower to offsetweight distributed by the operator when on seat 1.

The location, function, and structure of platform 9, the hydro pumps 22,and wheel motors may be as shown and/or described in any of U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,765,347 or 5,809,755, both incorporated herein by reference.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, the left rear drive wheel may bedriven in a forward direction by one motor 45 while simultaneously theright rear drive wheel is driven in a rearward direction by the othermotor 45 at approximately the same speed so that the mower conducts anapproximate zero radius turn about a vertical zero radius turning axis65 that is spaced equal distant between the rear wheels 43 and extendsupwardly through common wheel axis 44. The left hand pump 22 is in fluidcommunication with the left wheel motor 45 so that the left wheel 43drive direction and speed are controlled by pivoting left hand controlsor levers 33 and 34; while the right hand pump 22 is in fluidcommunication with the right wheel motor 45 so that the right wheel 43drive direction and speed are controlled by pivoting right hand controlsor levers 33 and 34. The right and left rear drive wheels 43 are thuscontrolled independently from one another in certain embodiments. Eachrear drive wheel is mounted on its own drive axle in certain embodimentsof this invention. The axle of one wheel 43 may be part of thecorresponding wheel motor 45 or alternatively may be separate from themotor. The same is true for the axle of the other rear drive wheel 43.In alternative non-zero radius turning embodiments, both rear drivewheels may be mounted on a single supporting axle.

In zero radius turning embodiments herein, at least a portion of footplatform 9 may be positioned substantially at the vertical zero radiusturning axis so that the operator when standing on the platform issubstantially unaffected by centrifugal force during zero radius turnsof the mower. In other embodiments, platform 9 is positioned relative tohandle grips 32-34 so that the operator when standing on platform 9 andgripping a portion of the handle control assembly is substantiallyunaffected by centrifugal force created during zero radius turns of themower and at least a portion of his or her body may be on or near (e.g.within six inches of) the vertical turning axis. In certain embodiments,handle grips 32-34 are located forward of the vertical turning axis 65and the platform rearward thereof so that the operator when standing onplatform 9 is substantially unaffected by centrifugal force createdduring zero radius turns of the mower. In any of the above embodiments,at least a portion (or in some embodiments a substantial portion such asa thigh, head, torso, shoulder, chest, stomach, or the like) of thestanding operator's body may be substantially at or near the verticalzero radius turning axis 65 during certain mower operations such asturning.

In certain zero radius turning embodiments, hydrostatic pumps 22 are inconventional communication with hydrostatic motors 45 by way of, forexample, a plurality of hydraulic fluid hoses (not shown) disposedbetween each pump and corresponding motor. Pumps 22 including knownswash plates (not shown) generate hydraulic fluid pressure which istranslated through one of two hoses connecting each pump 22 to its motor45. The hydraulic hoses are coupled between each pump 22 and its motor45 so as to allow hydraulic fluid to flow in both directions betweeneach pump and its motor. One hydraulic hose may be provided for allowinghydraulic fluid to flow in one direction and another hose for permittingthe fluid to flow in the opposite direction between a motor 45 and itscorresponding pump 22. Each pump 22 includes a conventional pump controllever (not shown) extending therefrom for permitting the standing orsitting operator to control the speed and forward/reverse sense of eachrear drive wheel via a hand lever(s) 33-34. Hydrostatic pumps 22 aredriven by engine 38 via belts.

Alternatively, rear drive wheels 43 could instead be driven by chains orgears in a known manner, or other variable speed devices.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, seat 1 may include an approximatelyupright section 1A as well as an approximately horizontal section 1B, sothat seat 1 may be approximately L-shaped. The operator sits on portion1B and may lean backwards against section 1A. As illustrated, seat 1 incertain embodiments is positioned entirely behind the verticallyextending zero radius turning axis 65 which extends upwardly throughhorizontal wheel axis 44. However, grip portions 32-34 of the handlecontrol assembly may be located forward of vertical turning axis 65 sothat at least a portion of the operator's body may be on or near thisvertical turning axis during sitting or standing operation of the mower,so that the operator is substantially unaffected by centrifugal forcecreated during zero radius turns. As shown in this particularembodiment, when in their deployed positions arm rests 17 are locatedbehind vertical turning axis 65. However, in other embodiments arm rest17 may be located on or forward of vertical turning axis 65 depending onthe preference of the operator or mower designer.

When the operator operates the mower when sitting on seat 1, the centerof gravity of the combination of mower and operator is further rearwardthan when the operator is standing on platform 9. This is because muchof the operator's weight is being distributed via seat 1 in sittingmodes. Thus, when the operator is sitting on seat 1 during operation,this may provide for improved lateral hill crossing and/or improvedtraction of rear drive wheels 43. Too much weight at the front of amower (e.g. on casters 37) may cause a mower to drift down a hill whencrossing slopes laterally.

Seat 1 is designed so that seat portion 1B is elongated inforward/rearward directions. Therefore, the operator can adjust theposition of his or her weight on the seat at various positions therebycausing the mower's center of gravity to move forward and/or rearwardduring operation. For example, the operator may sit in the middle ofseat 1 during operation of the mower on flat terrain. However, whengoing down hills, the operator may move or lean rearward in seat 1 andslide as far back as possible in order to put as much weight as possibleon the rear drive wheels 43 to reduce the potential for tipping forwardwhen going down a hill. When mowing up hills, the operator may move froma sitting position to a standing position on platform 9 and can leanforward over the handle control assembly in order to put additionalweight on the front of the mower thereby reducing the potential oftipping rearwardly when going up hills.

When the operator is standing on platform 9, arm rests 17, if deployed,can interfere with lateral movement of the operator on the platform(e.g. the operator may wish to move to the right or left duringside-hill operation to adjust weight distribution). Thus, arm rests 17may be folded upwardly from their deployed position (see FIG. 1) to astowed position (see FIG. 2). In order to fold the arm rests 17 up, incertain embodiments the operator simply lifts upwardly on rests 17 sothat the rests pivot clockwise as defined in FIG. 1 about pivot axis 16to a stowed position while supports 15 remain stationary. However, inother embodiments (e.g. see FIG. 2), in order to move arm rests 17 froma deployed to a stowed position the operator rotates both rests 17 andbrackets 15 together about a pivot axis to the stowed position as shownin FIG. 2. When the operator sits back down on seat 1 in eitherembodiment, he or she may also pivot the arm rests 17 downward to theirdeployed positions for operator comfort during sitting operation.

Springs or shock absorbers 3 and 7 are optionally associated with seat 1and are provided for operator comfort during sitting modes. At least onespring or other biasing means 3 is positioned proximate and below afront portion of seat 1 to dampen vibration or movement of the front ofthe seat during mower operation. Spring(s) 3 is generally oriented in avertical manner with its biasing axis approximately vertical withrespect to flat ground on which the mower travels. Meanwhile, at leastone spring or other biasing means 7 is provided for dampening movementof a rear portion of seat 1. Spring 7 is oriented at an angle θ of fromabout 20°-90° (most preferably from about 30°-60°) relative to thevertical (and thus relative to the axis of spring 3). Seat 1 is mountedon seat support 4. Support 4 and seat 1 may rotate or pivot togetherabout fixed axis 6. Thus, when substantial weight is placed on the rearportion of seat 1, the seat together with support 4 tend to rotate in acounterclockwise direction as defined in FIG. 2 about axis 6. Spring(s)7 biases support 4 and thus seat 1 against such counterclockwisetendencies, thereby dampening vibration felt by the operator 41 duringseated operation of the mower.

Seat 1 may be folded up in certain embodiments in order to shorten thelength of the mower for transport and/or storage. For example, seat 1may be folded from its deployed position (see FIGS. 1-2) to a stowed orfolded up position (see FIG. 3). To do this, seat 1 together withsupport 4 are rotated clockwise about fixed pivot axis 6 from the FIGS.1-2 position to the stowed FIG. 3 position. In preferred embodiments,pivot axis 6 is positioned forward of the rear edge of rear drive wheels43 but rearward of common horizontal wheel axis 44, so that the seatassembly when folded upwardly provides for a more compact mower. Pivotlatch 10 is provided so that the seat assembly cannot be folded upunexpectedly. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, latch 10 is in alocking position abutting stop 51 thereby preventing seat support 4 fromclockwise rotating about axis 6 (latch 10 is connected at its pivot axis50 to support 4). When it is desired to fold up or stow the seatassembly, latch 10 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction aboutpivot axis 50 so that its distal end moves away from and/or above stop51 thereby enabling the seat to be folded up to its FIG. 3 position.When the seat is moved from its stowed position (FIG. 3) back to itsdeployed position (FIGS. 1-2), latch 10 will automatically move into alocking position where its distal end is resting up against stop 51 asshown in FIGS. 1-2.

An OPC (operator presence control) switch may be associated withplatform 9 in certain embodiments of this invention. Such an OPC switchmay cause the mower and/or blades to turn off when the operator leavesthe platform in certain embodiments. An exemplary OPC switch associatedwith the platform is disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,755,incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, in other embodiments, asimilar OPC switch can be associated with the handle control assembly sothat the mower engine and/or blades shut off if and when the operator'shands are removed from the handle control assembly during operation. Itis preferred that the mower not be equipped with a single OPC switchassociated with only the seat, due to the need for potential standingoperation during certain conditions.

The seat assembly of the mower in FIGS. 1-4 and 8 is designed so that itis easy for an operator 41 to get off of on to the mower. FIG. 4illustrates an operator either getting on to or off of the mower byallowing seat 1 to pivot about axis 2 as the operator moves eitherforward or rearward. For example, assuming that the operator 41 isgetting on the mower as shown in FIG. 4, the operator 41 straddlesportion 1A of the seat with his/her legs, and as the operator movesforward he or she contacts and pushes downward on portion 1B of the seatso that as the operator sits down the seat 1 rotates clockwise aboutpivot axis 2 until it reaches the FIGS. 1-2 position. Thus, the operatordoes not have to crawl over an entire seat assembly in order to get onto the mower.

Still referring to FIG. 4, when an operator 41 decides to get off of themower from a seated position, the operator 41 pushes his or her backrearwardly against the top of seat section 1A thereby causing the seatto rotate counterclockwise about pivot axis 2 into its FIG. 4 positionas the operator rearwardly leaves the mower. Again, this enables theoperator to get off the mower without having to crawl over top of afixed seat assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, approximately horizontal pivot axis 2 may bepositioned at an elevation at or above the surface of seat section 1Band axis 6 during normal operation (see FIGS. 1-2). Such a positioningof axis 2 makes it less likely for seat 1 to be pivoted counterclockwiseabout axis 2 unintentionally or accidentally. It is also noted that thetwo arm rests 17 are supported by and connected to side supports 14(instead of the seat) so that the arm rests do not interfere with anoperator getting on or off of the mower.

The first and second laterally spaced side supports 14 are attached toand extend upwardly from the plane of engine deck 31. In suchembodiments, control rods operatively connected to pivoting levers 33-34may be utilized and extend between the levers and the correspondingpumps 22 to control rear drive wheel direction and/or speed. Suchcontrol rods are preferable in embodiments where the elevation of pumps22 remains constant relative to the elevation of the handle controlassembly 32-34 during mower operation and at different blade cuttingheights.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of this invention, wherein firstand second elongated flexible control cables 61 replace theabove-described control rods. First and second similar cables 61 extendbetween levers 33-34 and the corresponding pumps 22, thereby allowingpivoting movement of levers 33-34 to control the speed and/or drivedirection of rear drive wheels 43. Cables 61 are preferred in the FIG. 7embodiment, because the elevation of the engine deck 31, cutter deck 12,and pumps 22 is/are adjustable upwardly and downwardly relative to theheight of the handle control assembly 32-34. This is because the enginedeck upon which engine 38 and pumps 22 are mounted is suspended fromframe 13 and is adjustable upwardly and downwardly along with cutterdeck 12 relative to the frame 13 in order to adjust the cutting heightof the mower. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, no arm rests are provided.

Cables 61 of the FIG. 7 embodiment are push/pull type cables which actsimilar to flexible rods and are resistant to buckling. When cables 61are pushed forward or downward by forward pivoting of either lever 34 orlever 33, this causes a pushing force also to be applied to pump 22 in adirection going toward the rear of the mower as shown in FIG. 7. Cables61 are preferred when the handle control assembly 32-34 is mounted at anelevation independent from and variable relative to the height of theengine deck 31 and thus pumps 22. Here, the engine deck 31 and pumps 22move upwardly and downwardly with cutter deck 12 in order to adjust thecutting height, while the handle control assembly does not move up anddown along therewith. In certain embodiments, sheath holders may beprovided in order to cover and enclose cables 61 throughout portions ofor their entire respective lengths.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate a self-propelled zero radius turning power moweraccording to yet another embodiment of this invention. The FIGS. 5-6embodiment differs from the FIGS. 1-4 and 8 embodiment, in that in theFIGS. 5-6 embodiment seat 1 is generally flat and does not have a backportion. FIG. 5 illustrates seat 1 in a deployed position with theoperator sitting on the mower. FIG. 6 illustrates seat 1 in a folded upor stowed position, with seat 1 and support 4 having been rotatedclockwise about pivot axis 6.

In certain embodiments herein, pad or cushion 71 may be mounted on arear surface or edge of side supports 14 so as to cushion the knees ofthe operator against banging into supports 14, and/or to provide a restup against which seat 1 can contact in a stowed position.

Once given the above disclosure, therefore, various other modifications,features, and/or improvements will become apparent to the skilledartisan. Such other features, modifications, and improvements are thusconsidered a part of this invention, the scope of which is to bedetermined by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A lawn mower comprising: an engine; first and second drivewheels; a foot platform, wherein at least a portion of the foot platformis located between the first and second drive wheels; a seat forsupporting a sitting operator; wherein said seat is selectivelydeployable from a stowed position to a deployed position so that aposition of said foot platform does not change when said seat is movedfrom the stowed position to the deployed position, and wherein said seatmay be selectively folded from the deployed position to the stowedposition.
 2. A lawn mower comprising: an engine; first and second drivewheels; a pivotal foot platform, at least a portion of said footplatform being located between said first and second drive wheels; aseat for supporting a sitting operator; and wherein said seat isselectively pivotal from a deployed position to a stowed position abouta first pivotal axis in a manner such that said foot platform remainsdeployed for supporting feet of an operator when said seat is moved fromthe deployed position to the stowed position.
 3. The mower of claim 2,wherein said foot platform is pivotal about a second pivot axis that isdifferent from said first pivot axis.